The Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya witnessed another major religious event on Thursday, as new idols were installed in eight newly constructed shrines within the complex. The highlight of the ceremony was the consecration of 'Raja Ram' – Lord Rama in his royal form – along with other deities.

The day began with prayers at the 'yajna mandap' at 6:30 am, followed by a 'havan' (sacred fire ritual) that lasted about an hour. The main rituals started after that, timed during the 'Abhijit Muhurat', which is considered one of the most favorable times in the Hindu calendar.

To ensure all shrines within the complex could perform the rituals together, the temple trust used cameras and large display screens to synchronize the ceremonies.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust confirmed that eight deities were installed across various parts of the temple. These include:

  • Shri Ram Darbar (central deity)

  • Sheshavatar

  • Lord Shiva in the northeast corner

  • Lord Ganesha in the southeast corner

  • Lord Hanuman in the southern wing

  • Sun God (Surya) in the southwest

  • Goddess Bhagwati in the northwest

  • Goddess Annapurna in the northern wing

These idols were placed on the first floor of the main temple building.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the ceremony and offered prayers. He also visited the Ram Darbar and the nearby Hanumangarhi temple.

Sharing the moment on social media, he wrote on X: "Today, in the holy birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya Dham, we are getting the great fortune of becoming a witness to the programme organised for the Pran-Pratishtha of the holy idols of gods in the eight temples including Shri Ram Darbar on the first floor of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple."

This was the second major consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple. The first one took place on January 22, 2024, when Ram Lalla was consecrated in a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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